lighting question?

[bclark7169]

I am planing to set up a 225 gallon tank and was wandering about the 400 watt halides.. will 2 be enough on a 72x24x30 tank or will I need more for good sps growth? or would I be better off with 250 watt halides?

I have a 72" 125 gallon now and have 3 250 watt halides and it is doing great. I have 20k xms on it..

Also what bulb would you recommend for the 400 watters?

 

[jeep9783]

With good reflectors i don't see why...I like the 20ks but really depends on the setups...lumenbright reflectors and some nice 14-20k lights and it should be great...you sellin your 125?

 

[bclark7169]

not sure yet maybe the 125 maybe the 120 the wife wants to keep them all but too much work for me...

 

[jeep9783]

Let me know if you see a decent price on a 72 or yours goes up forsale

 

[harleyguy]

I used to have the exact same size tank, and I tried several light configurations... I started with 2 x 250 DEs , then 3 then went to 2 x 400s then 3... 3 x 400w SEs are the ticket... they will give you the penetration you need for a 30" deep tank and the 3 will give you the even spread you want... Bight the bullet and get 3 x 400w MHs...

 

[jaustin]

3x400W 20K SI with XM or Radium bulbs. If you use the M135 magnetic ballast (bluewave) you'll get super duper par #'s and If you use some lumabright reflectors you'll be able to keep the bulbs higher off the water and that will help with heat transfer. I keep mine 14" off the water and with a small fan in the canopy i don't have a problem with temp.